Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Modern British Restaurant in Tooting
Established in 2001 by Rick Gibbs, former Head Chef at the Chelsea Arts Club, we are Tooting's first and only Modern British and European restaurant. Our daily changing menus reflect seasonal produce, sustainably sourced from local suppliers and small producers. With accolades like the Tooting Community Good Neighbour Award and Taste of Tooting Best Restaurant Award, we combine Rick's decades of culinary expertise with a warm, family-run ethos.Our open-plan kitchen and hand-crafted wine list create an intimate dining experience where guests enjoy unpretentious yet refined dishes. Rick's passion for sustainable fishing, support for ethical suppliers, and commitment to showcasing Mediterranean influences through fresh ingredients underpin our unique offering. We welcome all diners with adaptable portion sizes and a philosophy that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Services
Modern British Cuisine
Daily Changing Menus
Sustainable Seafood
Wine Selection
Family-Friendly Dining
Mediterranean Specialties
Artisan Cheese Board
Breakfast Brunch
Private Table Service
Tasting Events
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Our menus change daily to reflect seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Award-winning sustainable seafood practices prioritizing ethical sourcing
- Rick Gibbs' 20+ years as professional chef influence our cooking style
- Hand-crafted wine list featuring Spanish, French and South American wines
- Family-friendly dining with adaptable portions for all ages
What people say
Excellent wine list
Unique eating experience
Fresh seasonal ingredients
Welcoming atmosphere
Personal touch
Services
Daily Changing Menus
Menus updated daily based on seasonal produce ensure peak freshness and quality. Rick Gibbs personally selects ingredients from local suppliers and small producers. This dynamic approach guarantees unique dining experiences with both modern European and traditional British influences.
Sustainable Seafood
Our seafood selection prioritizes sustainable fishing practices. We serve mackerel, sardines, mussels and line-caught sea bass while avoiding overfished species like tuna. This commitment to marine conservation aligns with Rick's environmental values and supports global fishing sustainability.
Wine Selection
Spanning Spanish, French, Italian, South African and South American varieties, our wine list features carefully curated selections. With prices designed for accessibility, the collection complements our Mediterranean-influenced dishes while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Family Dining
We welcome diners of all ages with flexible portion sizes and a relaxed atmosphere. Half portions accommodate younger guests while maintaining culinary integrity. Our approach fosters intergenerational dining experiences without compromising on ingredient quality or preparation standards.
Mediterranean Specialties
Drawing from Rick's Spanish heritage and professional expertise, our menu features artisan Spanish hams, mussels and paella. These dishes showcase traditional preparation methods while incorporating modern presentation. Rick's Mediterranean knowledge derives from both personal heritage and decades of professional development.
People
Rick Gibbs
Head Chef & Owner
Former Chelsea Arts Club Head Chef with 20+ years experience, Rick Gibbs established Rick's Restaurant in 2001. His Spanish heritage and commitment to sustainable ingredients shape our menu. Rick personally oversees kitchen operations and guest interactions.
Annie Gibbs
Co-Manager
Rick's wife Annie co-manages the restaurant, creating welcoming atmosphere for all guests. Her hospitality expertise ensures exceptional customer service while maintaining the establishment's family-run character. Annie contributes to our community-focused approach.
Rick Jr. Gibbs
Junior Chef
Joining the team in 2011, Rick Gibbs' son contributes culinary talent to our kitchen. As part of the next generation, Rick Jr. helps maintain traditional techniques while introducing contemporary innovations. His presence continues the family's gastronomic legacy.
Questions
What cuisines do you specialize in?
We focus on Modern British and European cuisine with strong Mediterranean influences reflecting Rick Gibbs' heritage and professional background.
Do you accommodate special dietary needs?
Our daily menus allow flexibility for vegetarian options and dietary requirements. Rick's kitchen team prepares dishes using fundamental ingredients for adaptability.
Are your ingredients sustainably sourced?
Yes, we maintain sustainability through responsible seafood choices, local suppliers, and support for small producers in the UK and abroad.
Do you offer children's meals?
We provide half portions of most dishes instead of a separate children's menu to foster family dining with quality-controlled portions.
Can I meet the chef?
Rick Gibbs personally engages with guests daily, often inviting them to the kitchen or joining tables for wine and conversation.
What wine options do you have?
Our list features Spanish, French, Italian, South African and South American wines selected for quality and affordability to complement our dishes.
Reviews (6)
Debbie Taylor
Jan 15, 2022
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Amazing place. A little diamond in the rough. Highly recommended. Food is amazing. atmosphere was relaxed. Service was fantastic. Definitely will be returning.
Brian Sharland
Jan 14, 2022
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Today was my partners birthday and as a special treat I booked a table for two at Rick's Caf. I'd been there before but not for many years having moved away from the area. I'm delighted to say as good as it was then, it is even better now. Our starters were the fabada asturiana (a type of Spanish cassoulet) and the lobster and hake croquettes. Both mouth wateringly delicious. My main courses was chicken milanese and each mouthful was a series of taste explosions accompanied by a wonderfully garlic spaghetti. My partner had the brill, beautifully cooked and presented, served with a saffron beaurre
John Russell
Dec 09, 2021
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Excellent quality a lovely dining experience. Simple setting but wonderful food. Good service and ambience
Eleni Lester
Nov 28, 2021
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Lovely food, cosy unpretentious interior. Chef came out to chat to us and we enjoyed a drink with him. Recommended it to my parents and they loved it too. Really recommend!
Raymond Sykes
Sep 18, 2021
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Awful place, small portions and clearly frozen fish. The place seemed charming and inviting from the outside and have heard mixed views from local people so I thought I would check it out for myself. Absolutely awful, waitress awkwardly flirting and clearly making a mans wife feel uncomfortable on the table next to us, a random guy sitting in the corner drunk and drinking tequila by himself until what I assume was the owner who joined him. The owner was wandering around with arrogance Ive only ever seen in Simon Cowell, sitting on peoples tables and being weird then smoking outside in his
Fariel Van Den Heuvel
Sep 12, 2021
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We had a lovely dinner here the for the first time. Staff are very attentive and caring, food amazing too. We will be back.
